how stiff is the steering a boat supposed to be.

[dkorzun21]

I have a 1989 larson dc bowrider v6, and I just had the steering cable replaced which ran me $550. its a 20ft boat and for some reason the guy said they dont make that exact size cable for my boat so I have about 4inch on cable sticking out from under the corner of my dash. is that normal? anyone every hear of that. Any way it still not as easy as I thought it would be to turn to the right it seems better and the left little bit but still need to put some power to turn it. I guess i thought after I paid 550 it would be like a car. Please let me know what you think. I also got my old cable which he said was bad but doesnt look like its rusty or anything. Im a first time boat owner so i dont really know.

thanks dave

 

[Mark42]

Re: how stiff is the steering a boat supposed to be.

Does it feel the same out of the water left and right, but different in the water left to right? Could be the trim tab on the lower unit needs adjustment if its only when in the water.

BTW, how many hours labor did they bill you for that install, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Susquehanna Squid]

Re: how stiff is the steering a boat supposed to be.

Unless you have power steering it will be a little harder to turn the wheel depending on if you are running on plane or not. It takes and act of God to turn my boat at certain speeds/planes. Other than that, they should make a cable that fits exactly, you should not have it sticking out. And, as for if the old one was shot, it is not necessarily if it is rusted or not but if it had binded up or has any kinks in it etc. I would question your mechanic about the cable but do a little research first to see if they make one that fits exactly. This site is a great resource for that!

 

[dkorzun21]

Re: how stiff is the steering a boat supposed to be.

I checked the steering out of the water with the hose on it. Put the tilt down and started the steer it seemed good to the right, harder to the left. Is that normal? And does that seem right about the cable sticking out about 4 inchs or did the guy order the wrong one and put it in any way.